Studying genomes and gene sequencing is leading to hopeful breakthroughs which can lead to improved health and treatments for diseases.
Here’s what we know about microbiomes.
They’re always with us
Humans have trillions of microorganisms living in and on our bodies. We start picking them up when we’re born, with the microbiome fully maturing when we are three years old.
The bacteria is good
A healthy gut microbiome helps immunity development, defense against pathogens, and promotes better outcomes and management of conditions like IBS, diabetes, eczema, asthma, and depression.
They’re diverse
Human gut microbiomes vary from person to person. Researchers are studying this microbial diversity and how it may be influenced by factors like host genetics, diet, environment, and early exposure to microbes.
They might help treat illnesses
Doctors can perform fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) where a healthy person’s stool is prepared and then put into a sick person’s intestine. Researchers are hopeful the healthy person’s stool will boost the sick person’s microbiome, helping it manage chronic conditions including IBS, obesity, and diabetes.
Kristen Castillo, [email protected]